The producer of the Tekken series will leave Bandai Namco after more than 30 years of service

Katsuhiro Harada will step down by the end of December.

Tekken 8

Harada announced his decision on social media. He admitted that he began considering it after several people close to him, including colleagues in the gaming industry, passed away over the recent years. The retirement of several veteran developers also left a mark on his heart.

“Those accumulated events made me reflect on the “time I have left as a creator.” During that period, I sought advice from Ken Kutaragi —whom I respect as though he were another father —and received invaluable encouragement and guidance. His words quietly supported me in making this decision,” Harada explained.

Harada added that for the past four to five years, he has been transitioning his responsibilities to other developers at Bandai Namco. He thanked his colleagues and fans and promised to soon reveal what he plans to do after stepping down.

Harada joined Bandai Namco almost 32 years ago, in April 1994. The producer hinted at his plans to leave the company as early as last fall, when he stated in an interview with VG247 that Tekken 8 might be his last installment in the series.